KR20090037975A - Method, system, and computer readable storage for affiliate group searching - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for allowing an information seeker to utilize affiliate group searching involving human searchers who are members of particular information affiliate groups. Each affiliate group has an area of expertise in which they are particularly skilled. In at least one embodiment, the method includes accepting designation of an affiliate group for providing information searching and presenting search results produced by a member of the affiliate group to an information seeker.

Description

METHOD, SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE FOR AFFILIATE GROUP SEARCHING}

This application is filed on August 7, 2006, with U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, US App. No. 60 / 821,612, entitled "Methods, Systems, Computer-Readable Storage Devices for Searching Related Groups" (METHOD). , SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE FOR AFFILIATE GROUP SEARCHING, "and U.S. Application No. 11 / 834,911, filed August 7, 2007, entitled" Methods, Systems, Computer Readings for Related Group Searches. " METHOD, SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE FOR AFFILIATE GROUP SEARCHING, and claims priority therein, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments herein relate generally to information retrieval, and more particularly to information retrieval methods used by searchers belonging to relevant groups.

No. 11 / 336,928, filed Jan. 23, 2006, filed Jan. 23, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference, available under the name "A SCALABLE SEARCH SYSTEM USING HUMAN SEARCHERS." As described above, in an information retrieval system including a searcher or a guide, information retrieval may be classified according to keywords and / or categories. This classification system is often necessary because of the vast amount of information that can be retrieved for effective management. For example, the first information searcher may be responsible for the search associated with the first keyword, and the second information searcher may be responsible for the search associated with the second keyword.

However, organizing searchers by keywords and categories in this way will allow them to search for keywords or categories of information, but it is often difficult to become an "experienced" searcher because of the vast amount of information in categories or keywords. For example, you can view "baseball" as a small subset of information related to the category "sports," but the subcategory category "baseball" is still a relatively large search field. This subset may include information related to "NCAA Baseball", "NBA Baseball", "CIAA Baseball", and the like.

Similarly, the keyword "NFL football" can be considered a subset of the broad keyword "soccer", but this subset includes information related to NFL teams, NFL players, NFL history, NFL rules, and the like. Because of the vast amount of information contained in the subset, it may be difficult for searchers to become "experts" in the search for information related to specific keywords, categories, topics, and the like. In addition, the results they receive may be influenced by the personality of a group of searchers (eg, Peyton Manning fans). An information seeker may request results from searchers related to such intimacy.

There is also a problem with users (also known as Infoseeker ™) that are linked to searchers (also called guides) with different demographics and / or worldviews. For example, a college-aged female Infoseeker ™ looking for “Pink Floyd” -related information might be linked to a 50-year-old male Infoseeker ™ with a significantly different worldview. Although the information received is technically correct, the social aspects of human support search may not be sufficiently affected. For this reason, it may be desirable to have information searchers access search results provided by searchers and by a group of searchers who share a set of common features. Moreover, finding the searchers may be desirable for relevant group members because of the nature of the features they share. For example, a group of healthcare professionals who believe in "options" may receive a search related to women's health issues that would normally be sent to a general search.

In addition to the problems identified above, even though they may be assigned to specific keywords and categories, searchers may not be genuinely interested in the search topics for which they are registered. Because of the opportunity to increase income, searchers may choose such areas because of the high frequency of queries for information searchers related to a particular subject. As a result, the searcher may not be as effective as if you were really interested in the subject. It may be useful to build a collaborative and / or competitive community of searchers in order to improve related technologies and share how to obtain information about information resources and / or specialized areas of interest. Such related groups would be able to act as teams that generate search query results and share rewards.

Moreover, in some cases information seekers have a need and / or need to obtain search results belonging to sensitive information not available to standard databases and systems accessible to the public. For example, an information searcher who wants to search for information about endangered species may require the services of a searcher who is authorized to access and search a limited and / or proprietary database of information to retrieve such information. . Until now, information retrieval systems had no employed searchers with the expertise needed to find such information, access to such information, and the authority to search for such information.

Existing information access networks such as tour guides, librarians, and medical professionals (eg, calling a nurse) may already exist. Such organizations may have the ability and / or access to resources that are not available to the public, but existing search systems using automatic search techniques may grant access to and index the resources provided by the relevant network. Is difficult.

For many of these reasons, it would be highly appreciated if there was a way to enable mass-related search for searchers and / or searchers who could control access to searchers and / or searchers seeking access to search services. .

In light of the above, what is needed is an information retrieval method and system that places searchers (sometimes referred to as guides, producers, providers or workers) belonging to relevant groups.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, an information searcher may utilize relevant group searches, including searchers who are members of specific information related groups. Each relevant group has an area of expertise that members are particularly good at, and each group is related to age, gender, sexual preferences, geographic location, language, political persuasion, occupation, club, education, hobbies, or just loose It can have a set of features such as other features that bind them together.

Relevant groups may simply become members or have loose relationships with websites such as MySpace® or Facebook®. In at least one or more embodiments, the method for providing a related group search includes accepting a related group designation that provides the information searcher with an information search and presents a search result made by the related group member.

A searcher might decide to join or leave a related group, just as people decide to join a club, professional or social group. If you are a searcher, you can also be incorporated into relevant groups based on the information provided to the search system during or after registration to show special relevant relationships.

Relevant groups are easily created and can be easily broken up. With a search system, groups can be created by associating searchers with one or more keywords that a related group can choose from, or administrators can designate related groups. The relevant group may then select the keywords and / or categories that the group wishes to associate with. Relevant group members may further be ranked within the group to establish priorities for particular members with relevant skills to answer the search query. Likewise. Relevant groups can be ranked according to their ability to produce relevant results for keywords, categories, and so on. In this way, the information explorer can find relevant groups that are likely to produce results relevant to the query.

It is an aspect of the invention that the related group can specify items that the related group members can access exclusively. Items may include training materials, resources, software applications, search results, and other items that may assist the searcher in the search.

It is an aspect of the present invention that an existing network of company employees, related members who are members of a web-based information retrieval network, can be registered as guides in the retrieval system. Information from the current network can be used to create group and / or guide profiles. This allows the relevant network to market and / or utilize the network's resources more effectively without compromising the security of the data it employs.

Aspects and advantages of the embodiments will be apparent from the following description of the embodiments and more readily appreciated when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Among the drawings:

1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a related group and related group searchers;

2 is a system diagram;

3 is a description of the relevant population database;

4 is a description of the relevant population searcher database;

5 and 5A are descriptions of authorized databases;

6 is a flowchart for explaining a working method;

7 is a flowchart illustrating a working method;

8 and 8A illustrate a searcher registration web page;

9 is a related collective web page description including a searcher window driven by a search system;

FIG. 10 is a description of a search page accessible through a search box presented on the relevant group web page of FIG. 9; FIG.

11 is a flow chart of a registration process;

12 is a graphical user interface (GUI) description;

13 is an alternate GUI description for selecting a relevant search group;

14 is a description of the searcher selection GUI;

15 is a description of the GUI.

Detailed description of embodiments is now made. Embodiments are represented in the accompanying drawings, in which figures refer to like-to-like elements throughout.

As discussed herein, an information searcher can search for information in response to his search query and select a particular relevant population to provide the search results. Because related groups can specialize in specific fields or categories of information, such groups can be very effective in making search queries for information that is particularly "difficult to obtain." In other cases, information groups are considered by searchers because of the relevance that groups searchers take into account age, gender, sexual priorities, geographic location, language, political persuasion, career, club, education, hobbies, characteristics, or associations, even if they are just loose. Can be further linked with Examples of partnerships include schools, universities, charities, consumer-facing companies such as Delta® Air Lines, information service providers, defense contractors, government organizations, clubs, social groups, and online social networks such as MySpace® or Facebook®. will be. In other cases, relevant group members gain a high level of special membership to be hired by the company, membership in an organization (e.g., Information Display Association, NRA, US military), or a limited database (e.g., Special access to resources such as medical information, unpublished research, and confidential company information). Therefore, these related groups may be referred to as access control related groups.

In embodiments herein, an information retrieval provision interest group designation is described, and a method of accepting search results from relevant group members is disclosed.

As shown in FIG. 1, according to at least one embodiment, information searchers who respond to a search query of an information searcher are referred to as related groups (the terms related group and interest group are used herein interchangeably). Are classified. Relevant groups include one or more information searchers with "experts" in a particular field of information retrieval that the group specializes in. The term "expert" used in the preceding sentence and later may, but not necessarily, to a higher level of knowledge and / or education on a subject unless otherwise indicated. As used herein, “expertise” also includes information resource familiarity with a subject, resource access to a topic that is not generally available, a particular high interest in the subject, and demonstrated ability (eg, aptitude testing or subject familiarity). Assessment of others) or even prior knowledge of the domain, which may include having a level of confidence in the unique ability to answer questions in a domain in a timely and / or accurate manner. By the term "related group", unless otherwise specified, a group with members who share a common interest in a topic, business associates, people who live or visit regularly in a particular geographic location, students at educational institutions, graduates, and former In-service staff, people sharing common social ties, people with aspects common to demographic profiles, and / or other groups formed around a common interest in the subject may be included. Thus, the relevant group may be all or any member of a non-profit or other charity, all or any corporate employee, any web-based social or interest group, or some other group or organization, all of which have a common interest or Have a common bond.

In at least one or more embodiments, related groups may be based on social ties. For example, if the relevant group is made up of MySpace® members, there may be a common bond between the information searcher and the searcher searching for results for that information searcher. Having a common worldview can be important when providing and accessing human support search results and services.

In at least one or more embodiments, information seekers may be provided with a linkage with a group, such as air crew, who knows something about travel by nature of work. Relevant group members may have core expertise in the subjects related to the group. For example, depending on travel experience and itinerary, some flight attendants may register to answer questions about Japan and / or Tokyo, and some other flight attendants may register for keywords like Rio and / or Brazil. .

For example, related group A 105 (FIG. 1) (e.g., "Orderbone Association") includes information searcher A1 110 (e.g., "Bill Birdsong") and information searcher A2 ( 115 (eg, "Robin Finder"), and information searcher AX 120 (eg, "Fred Finch"). Related group A 105 may specialize in the field or category of bird watching. For example, the activities of members of the National Orderbourne Association. Members of this group may be especially helpful to information explorers who accidentally see strangely colored birds outside the window or hear strange birds. Responding to a new name resolution request without knowing the new name or other verification information can be difficult for a generalist information searcher, ie, a searcher who is not a member of a related group (eg, related group A 105). A searcher who is a member of a benefit group with bird watching expertise (eg, the "Orderborn Association") may easily provide bird identification search results because the searcher is familiar with bird identification resources or personal bird knowledge. Searchers who are members of related groups will probably have knowledge or access to resources that will help them identify birds.As a result, related searchers will be able to assist information searchers in identifying birds in a timely and accurate manner. As set forth in the further description below, the possibility of providing relevant search results may be This can be increased by limiting the selection of searchers to local searchers, who have relevant local knowledge (e.g. knowledge of local natives you specify or birds commonly found in that area). You could do it.

In at least one or more embodiments, each of the searchers in the relevant population may have one special interest area within the relevant population interest area. For example, related group B 125 (eg, “music master”) may represent a group of searchers with music expertise. Searcher B1 130 (eg, “Charlie Classic”) may specialize in the “classic music” category or keywords. Searcher B2 135 (eg, “Harry Hip Hop”) may be interested in categories or keywords, such as “Hip Hop Music,” while searcher BX 140 (eg “Billy Hill”). Can specialize in "country music".

Similarly, the related group C 145 (eg, "spherical shading") may be an antique car specialty related group. Perhaps any searcher with a different specialty within group interests, such as antique car evaluation, restoration, the history of the automotive industry, or a specific manufacturer or model, namely C1 150 (e.g., "Viki Value"), search Child C2 155 (eg, "Lone Leicester"), and searcher CX 160 (eg, "Henry Ford") may correspond.

Restricted Member Association In an embodiment, the association consists of members of a particular company or organization that shares confidential information. For example, such limited member-related group members may be legal experts, accounting specialists, and engineering specialists. All of them have common ties, such as the identity of an employee of a particular corporation.

In at least one or more embodiments, the information searcher may select a searcher from the selected relevant population. For example, the information searcher may specifically request searcher B2 135 (“Harry hip hop”) from the relevant group B 125 (“music master”). For example, an information searcher attempting to identify song titles of hip hop music may select searcher B2 135 (“Harry hip hop”) and / or search results produced by the searcher. The information searcher may also select a searcher because of the selected searcher who has provided the information searcher with a satisfactory search result for the previous query.

In at least one embodiment, the information searcher is provided with a GUI (such as seen in FIG. 13) that provides access to searcher profiles within the relevant population. Profiles should provide searcher information that facilitates the selection of searchers that may be particularly well suited to providing search results for information searcher queries. Among the searcher attributes you can find in your searcher profile are: searcher's rating, searcher's education, city and / or region where the searcher resides, searcher's job name, searcher's availability indicator, list of queries previously answered by searcher, and Search results generated by the searcher for the query.

Alternatively, the system may automatically select guides from relevant groups based on searcher availability, query difficulty, searcher skill level, searcher starch field, searcher training history, and the like. This automatic searcher selection is described in US application No. 11/780, 297, filed July 19, 2007, entitled “Methods, Systems, and Computer-readable Storage Devices for Podcasting and Video Training in Information Retrieval Systems. (METHOD, SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE FOR PODCASTING AND VIDEO TRAINING IN AN INFORMATION SEARCH SYSTEM), filed July 19, 2007, Jones et al. No. 11 / 780,241, entitled "Methods and Apparatus for Searcher Training. And computer read-out storage devices (METHOD, APPRATUS, AND COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE FOR TRAINING HUMAN SEARCHERS), and Jones et al., No. 11/780, 329, filed July 19, 2007, entitled "User Requested Assignment Services." Methods, systems, and computer readable media (METHOD, SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM USE FUL IN MANAGING A COMPUTER-BASED SYSTEM FOR SERVICING USER INITIATED TASKS). have. These documents are incorporated herein by reference and are incorporated in the previously referenced application no. 11 / 336,928. When using the automatic searcher selection method, the list of qualified searchers can be limited to searchers of related groups.

As shown in FIG. 2, in at least one or more embodiments, a system 200 is provided. The system 200 includes a computer system 205, a searcher computer system 210, a network 220 such as the Internet, an information searcher computer system 230, a related group database 235, a related group searcher database 240, Allow database 245 and searcher database 250 are included.

Each of the searcher computer systems, that is, the searcher computer systems 205 and 210, can be operated by members of a related group. For example, the searcher computer system 205 may be operated by the searcher "Bill Birdsong", which is a member of the relevant group "Orderborn Association" (FIG. 1). The searcher computer system 210 may be operated by "Harry Hip Hop", which is a member of the relevant group "Music Master." Although only a limited number of searcher and information searcher (also known as Infoseeker ™ users) computer systems can be seen in FIG. 2, what is utilized is within the scope of the present disclosure for a number of searcher and information searcher computer systems.

Network 220 (FIG. 2) is a global public network of networks (Internet) or consists of one or more private networks, in whole or in part, for searcher computer systems and user computer systems It may be interconnected in communication with the database 235, the associated population searcher database 245, and the searcher database 250.

The retrieval system 225 may be in communication with the retrieval computer systems 205 and 210 and the information retriever computer system 230. For example, an information retrieval query can be sent from information retriever computer system 230 to retrieval system 225, where retrieval computer systems 205 and 210 can access the query. Similarly, the search results calculated by the searcher computer systems 205 and 210 in response to the search query of the information searcher computer system 230 are transmitted to the search computer 225, and the search results from the search computer 225 are searched. This can be stored and sent to the information explorer computer system 230.

Within the scope of the present application, the information searcher computer system 230 may include an apparatus that an information searcher may use when submitting a query and receiving a result from the search system 225. In one embodiment, the information explorer computer system 230 may be a device configured for a network connection and run web browser software. Thus, the information searcher computer system 230 may be a laptop, personal data assistant, desktop PC or Mac®, mainframe connected workstation or terminal, smartphone or the like within the scope of the present application. In addition, as can be found in US Application No. 11 / 647,437, entitled “TARGETED MOBILE DEVICE ADVERTISEMENTS,” by Jones et al., Filed Dec. 29, 2006, incorporated herein by reference, The retrieval system may include a gateway that facilitates access to voice communication and language-to-text systems, voice communication usage retrieval systems such as other transcription or employee land line telephones, cellular phones, VoIP, or other telephone equipment. Such equipment may also be information searcher computer system 230 within the scope of this application.

Search system 225 (FIG. 2) is interconnected in communication with associated population database 235, associated population searcher database 240, authorized database 245, and search database 250. As will be seen in more detail below, the databases include processing data during embodiment operations.

After the present disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the relevant art will readily recognize that the computer systems of the embodiments may be any kind of executable computer systems known in the art.

In open systems and methods, guides or searchers may be required to register with the search system 225 and, in some embodiments, provide training in response to inquiries submitted by information searchers or users using the search system only after training. Receive. In one embodiment, a guide aspirant or searcher should be invited to register as a searcher in the search system. In the system, previously registered searchers or related groups may begin the invitation process and thus be designated as sponsors of the invited searchers. In one embodiment of the public system and method, the guide aspirant is sent an email invitation to register as a guide or searcher in the search system. In one embodiment, the email invitation contains a link to the guide registration page and some signs that the search system can recognize about the person or organization that invited the prospective guide to register so that the person or organization could be recognized for sponsorship. It is contained.

Once the guide inquirer decides to register the system, he or she can initiate the registration process, for example, by clicking a link that directs the guide's web browser to the guide registration page URL generated according to the web server function of the search system 225. have. The search system may generate a registration web page that is designed to allow potential providers to register as guides in the search system as described below.

As shown in FIG. 3, a related group identification (ID) field 305, a related group rating field 310, may be included in the benefit group record sample, where one or more may be associated with or included in the related group database 235 (FIG. 2). ), Search full text field 315, assigned searcher field 320, related keyword / category field 325, related group search result field 330, and related group query field 335.

The associated group identification field 305 preferably contains a unique identifier of the associated group. For example, in at least one embodiment, the associated population identification field 305 may include a randomly generated numeric code (eg, "N1122") and / or a specific associated population (eg, " Orderborne association ") may contain a text string indicating the name. After the present disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the relevant art will realize that other identifiers may be utilized without departing from the scope and scope of the embodiments.

The related group rating field 310 (FIG. 3) may include a rating or series for a particular related group. In at least one embodiment, the relevant group rating field 310 is a series that reflects the average series of group individual searchers provided by information searchers who submitted a search query to the group. For example, if a relevant group member (eg, "Music Master Harry Hip Hop") provides a search result, the Information Seeker gives the search result "5 out of 5" to "Harry Hip Hop" (eg, Searcher B2 135 (FIG. 1) may indicate that the search results provided good performance. If a second member of the relevant group (eg, "Billy Hill" of "Music Master") provides the information searcher with a second search result, the information searcher is a second group member (eg, searcher BX 140). ), "Billy Hill") or the second search result provided by the first group member (i.e. "Harry hip hop") to give "3 out of 5" to indicate that the second search result was normal I can display it. In such a case, the relevant group grade, determined according to the group average of the individual members of the group, becomes "4". This reflects the average user performance rating for the search results produced by the relevant groups. Relevant group ratings may be displayed in any way, including but not limited to the "star" system. In the "star" system, full and partial stars are used to indicate ranking, which is a numerical system. In numerical systems, numerical values relate to grading and / or other ways of representing values.

The related group ranking field 310 may include a related group total rating and / or a group rating related to a category and / or keywords related to the related group. With this feature, the description and / or eligibility ratings of related groups can be maintained independently for categories, keywords or other information related to the related groups. In this way, the skill ratings for the relevant groups may be based on highly specialized areas of interest, such as "1945 New York Yankees Baseball," or wider areas of interest (eg, "baseball").

Using the example presented in FIG. 3, the overall rating of the "Orderborn Association" is "A1", the rating for the "Natural" category is "B2", and the rating for the keyword "Robin" is "19". Using the same example, the search result "Indian Bird", which may be related to the query / keyword "A bird with a red head and a tail", has a rating of "5" and "Knowledge Bird Watching Knowledge." "California Orderborn Club" has a rating of "10" that may be related to the query / keyword.

In at least one or more embodiments, elements of the associated population database 235 may be linked, for example, with a pointer. For example, the items of the relevant group rating field 310 may be related to the items of the related keyword / category field 325 (eg, All-A1, “Natural” -B2). Similarly, the information of the relevant group search result field 330, the benefit group query field 335, and the related group rating field 310 may be related. For example, a search result of "California Orderbourne Club" may be rated "10" when it relates to the query "Where can I get knowledge about California bird watching".

After the disclosure herein, one of ordinary skill in the relevant art will realize that other class ophthalmic methods may be used without departing from the scope and scope of the embodiments. The rating may be based on voting results, review of accredited members, and so on. In at least one or more embodiments, the ranking is based on query and / or combination of keywords and results. The relevance of the results to keywords or queries is related to Provisional Application No. 60 / 913,944, filed on April 25, 2007, filed April 25, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference, entitled "Knowledge Betting System for Search Results." And the weighted voting procedure described in "KNOWLEDGE VETTING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEARCH RESULTS."

In at least one or more embodiments, the interest group record associated with or contained in the relevant population database 235 includes a search specialization field 315 that allows information searchers to obtain information about the specialty or expertise of the relevant search group. do. For example, if a group (e.g., "Orderborn Association") specializes in bird watching, the search specialty field 315 may provide details about group interests (e.g., "bird and birding"). Will be able to provide As another example, if a group (e.g., related group C 145 (FIG. 1) " old shading ") specializes in junk cars, the group may define, for example, the " over 25 years " Whether using the "Classic Cars Manufactured Between 1925 and 1948" of the American Classic Car Club, the definition of "solid cars" is related to interest groups (e.g., related group C (145)). It may be displayed in the search full text field 315 of the record.

In at least one or more embodiments, a case search query is provided that can determine whether an information searcher wants to use a particular relevant population. Such information may be included in the associated group query field 335. For example, "red headless tailless bird" or "where California birding knowledge can be obtained" may be included in this field for the interest group "Orderborn Association" of FIG.

In at least one or more embodiments, any or all of the previous search based on information contained in the relevant group search result field 330 may be provided to the information searcher for the searcher to make a decision regarding the use of the relevant group searcher. It can help. For example, results such as “Indiana Birds”, “California Orderbourne Club”, etc. that may provide resources and / or specific answers to information searchers may be included in this city field.

Provisional Application No. 60 / 821,595, filed on Aug. 7, 2006, filed Aug. 7, 2006, incorporated herein by reference, to facilitate the provision of information and search results to information explorers, referred to as "formerly electronic search The search database 250 (FIG. 2) of previous queries and previous search results may be maintained in more detail as described in "ELECTRONIC PREVIOUS SEARCH RESULTS LOG." The data structure used in connection with the previous query may include field instructions of the relevant group to which the query is assigned. Similarly, the data structure used in connection with storing the search results may include fields or flag instructions of the relevant population with which the searcher providing the search results is related.

In addition, previous queries included in the related group query field 335 generated by searchers related to the related group and / or search results included in the related group search result field 330, for example. May be used to provide the relevant population members with assigned and / or accepted queries and search result information associated with the queries. Such information is generally available to members of related groups to better understand the interests of related groups and information seekers in relation to the topics of interest to the groups concerned. Such information may more directly target advertising on relevant group web pages to identify relevant training resources, such as search skills for group members, to increase the profitability, popularity, and / or membership levels of the relevant group. In this regard, it can be used to determine topics that can be handled in internal and external communications such as blogs, web pages, print media, e-mail communications, and the like.

Assignment searcher field 320 identifies searchers that are members of the relevant population. For example, in at least one embodiment, the Assignment Searcher field 320 for Relevant Population A 105 (FIG. 1) "Orderborn Association" includes a searcher A1 110 (e.g., "Bill Bird". Song "1143), searcher A2 115 (e.g.," Robin Finder "2167), searcher AX 120 (e.g.," Fred Finch "4435), and / Or identifiers are included. The Assigned Searcher field 320 (FIG. 3) allows an information searcher to select individual searchers from related groups to provide search results. The selection can be made anonymous (ie, without requiring the information exchange of searcher and / or information searcher).

The related keyword / category field 325 may include keywords and / or categories that are related to relevant group interests. Continuing with the example of FIG. 3 of a related group belonging to “Birds and Birding,” the related keyword / category field 325 for the related group includes the keywords “robin,” “pinch,” “new song,” and the category “natural. May be included. By content, the system can select relevant groups by analyzing queries entered by information searchers using relevant group related keywords / categories.

In at least one or more embodiments, if the relevant group decides to include a search box running in a public system on the relevant group web page, a query via the search box may be sent to registered searchers who are members of the relevant group if possible. . In an alternate embodiment, when an information searcher uses a search engine of a search system web page, the query is analyzed to determine the keywords and / or categories for which the query is most relevant. If there is a well-known and relevant group of searcher registered members who have a particular interest in the topic associated with the query, the search system 225 (FIG. 2) may generate a popup window or other notification in the information explorer interface. If the interface is running a web browser, for example, then the GUI may decide to use the services of a searcher whose information searcher is a related group member. In order to determine whether to provide notification, search system 225 (FIG. 2) may include queries, search query keywords and / or categories, and related keywords / interest groups of interest groups associated with or contained in the relevant population database 235 (FIG. 2). The contents of the category field 325 (FIG. 3) can be compared to identify relevant groups that may be interested in a topic related to the information explorer query. Exemplary geographic user interfaces for selecting relevant groups and / or group members when triggered by the search system 225 are shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

In at least one or more embodiments, the relevant population may form a compensation agreement that indicates to members of the keyword and / or category related search system provider a willingness to receive different rewards for the search query. For example, a travel-related group may share revenue from information searchers connected with relevant group members with the system 225 (FIG. 1).

As shown in FIG. 4, the interest group searcher sample record that may be associated with or included in one or more related group searcher databases 240 (FIG. 2) includes a searcher identification (ID) field 405, Related Group ID Field 410, Searcher Username Field 415, Searcher Verification Code 420, Searcher Rating Field 425, Eligible Area in Profit Group Field 435, Demographic Profile Data Field 440 And related population individual searcher related information, such as geographic location data field 450.

The searcher identification field 405 preferably contains the unique identifier of the relevant group member. For example, in at least one embodiment, the searcher identification field 405 may include a randomly generated numeric code such as "4433". The searcher identification field 405 may include a text string that points to the name of a particular relevant group member, for example "Fred Finch" of FIG. 4.

Relevant group ID field 410 includes searcher related group identifiers, which may include numerical identifiers that are as specific and as consistent as possible, and / or associated group names (eg, "Orderborn Association (N1122)", Indiana). Rifle club (N1492) "). Any of the related groups associated with the searcher are included in the related group ID field, and the information navigator can search for information or other queries as members of other related groups. You can decide to use the searcher to search.

The searcher username field 415 contains text strings and / or numeric codes that the searcher uses to search for resources that will produce search results in response to a search query. As will be seen in more detail below, a searcher seeking to produce a search result in response to an information search query may be prompted to enter his or her username as part of the verification process. As shown in Figure 4, different user names may be used for each relevant group ("Fred Finch" as "Orderborn Association" member, "Firearm Fred" as "Indiana Rifle Club" member). Each relevant group may use existing login data, for example in a database and / or resource.

The searcher verification code field 420 includes a test code that verifies whether the relevant group member belongs to the related group. The searcher verification code may be a text string and / or a numeric code that operates in conjunction with the content of the searcher username field 415 to verify searcher permissions. In at least one or more embodiments, the username entered by the searcher is used to search or “find” the searcher verification code (password) to compare the verification code with the verification code that the searcher enters. If the username matches and the verification code matches, the searcher may be allowed to search for information resources and provide search results in response to a search query, as described in more detail below. Other types of security data, such as fingerprints and retinal scan data, can be displayed in the verification code field when using methods such as biostatistics for access verification without departing from the scope of the present application.

The searcher ranking field 425 includes the relevant group searcher ranking. In at least one or more embodiments, the rating is a numerical representation, such as for example "5". The rating is equivalent to the searcher's performance rating average for queries that are linked to related groups or other methods of the previously mentioned related US applications Nos. 11/780, 297, No. 11/780, 241, and No. 11/780, 329. You can decide. For example, if a searcher receives a "4.5" performance rating for providing a first search result and a "3.5" performance rating for a third search result, the searcher rating field 425 specifies a "3.5" rating. You can do it. Searcher ratings can be calculated from data generated in the same manner as user ratings, by review of relevant group members, by general searchers, and by usage data of the aforementioned Provisional Application No. 60/913, 944.

The searcher ranking field 425 of at least one embodiment may include a ranking indicator. For example, in a configuration with multiple levels of expert searchers, such as "First Level Expert", "Second Level Expert", or "Third Level Expert", the ranking in the "system (or related group) The searcher who is the best "first level expert" searcher may specify the searcher ranking field 425 by including the value "1-1" (first rank first level searcher). Level expert "may be specified, including the value" 2-45 "(45th rank second level searcher). The searcher ranking and / or ranking methods are for different interest groups as shown in FIG. For example, the searcher "Fred Finch 4435" earned a rating "2" in relation to interest group "Orderborn Association (N1122)" and received interest group "Indiana Rifle Club" (N1492). A grade "beginner-4" was obtained.

After the publication of this application, one of ordinary skill in the relevant art immediately realizes that other graded ophthalmic methods may be used without departing from the scope and scope of the embodiments.

For example, embodiments may adopt a global grading system. As such, as shown in FIG. 4, the searcher ranking field 425 may include a numerical value indicating the overall ranking of the searcher associated with such a record. For example, the value "5" would indicate that the searcher (eg, "Fred Finch 4435") is the fifth best searcher among the relevant group "Orderborn Association" total searchers.

Eligible areas within interest group field 435 may include specific area of interest information in the expertise of the associated group, such as subcategory information within the area of interest of the associated group. For example, if the relevant group searcher is a member of the "Orderbone Association" related group (i.e., related group A 105 (FIG. 1)), the qualifying area in the profit group field 435 for the interest group searcher is "Pinch." "And / or" bird photography "may indicate that the searcher's expertise or competence is in these subcategories.

Demographic profile data field 440 includes searcher related information such as age, birth date, education, gender, and race. This information can be compared with information such as target profiles, keywords, categories, etc., related to the query, indicating that searchers with specific demographic profiles can answer the query. Demographic profile data field 440 containing information may be obtained from the searcher when the searcher registers with the search system or updates his profile. Demographic information can be obtained by examining a guide, etc., by importing data from other resources, using the "cookies" of the searcher system, and by observing the searcher's online activity with other observational data. Exemplary demographic data can be seen in FIG. 4. However, the availability of any kind of demographic data will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant technical field.

The geographic location data field 450 includes data indicating geographic locations that searchers may be familiar with, depending on previous or current residence, work location, searcher selection, and the like. Such data can be retrieved automatically by searchers by updating their profile by importing or accessing data from external computer systems, or by targeting data based on IP addresses or network locations that connect searchers to the Internet or other networks. Can be acquired as part of the registration process. Such information may be obtained directly from the aviation crew, in the airline database on the crew's flight missions, in published flight schedules, and the like. The contents of the geographic location data field 450 can be used to improve the likelihood that the search results will respond to the query and to select searchers who may be familiar with the location to which the search query relates.

As shown in FIG. 5, a sample of interest group accredited records that may be associated with or contained in the accredited database 245 (FIG. 2) may be authorized to submit an information retrieval query to the relevant group. Contains information related to information searchers. For example, in a limited environment of retrieving health-related information, not all information seekers may submit queries to the relevant groups responsible for retrieving medical history resources. In at least one or more embodiments, for example, an information searcher answering a query regarding sensitive information may be required to verify his or her identity in addition to being unable to access the Internet and / or not receiving other physical network security measures. Such measures can be taken with the intention of minimizing or preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information resources.

Continuing to relate to the interest group example presented above, the exclusive database of rare and / or endangered bird species is only available to certain members of the "Orderbone Association" interest group (i.e., related group A 105 (FIG. 1). The interest group may allow one or all members to access the database, but amateurs and / or poachers may affect the survival of the species because they are using resources. Only certain authorized users will have access to the database to avoid their use, for example, they may receive encrypted e-mail with user ID and login information, for example.

As shown in FIG. 5, the exemplary benefit group authorized record includes a related group identification (ID) field 505, an authorized user ID field 510, an authorized user username field 515, an authorized user password field 520, The public searcher ID field 525, the public searcher username field 530, and the public searcher password field 535.

Relevant group ID field 505 contains an identifier of the related group that may require authorization to submit a query and / or retrieve resources of the related group. The identifier may be writing from other records (see FIGS. 3 and 4) or may be an indicator thereof.

The Authorized User ID field 510 contains a unique identifier that identifies an information searcher who may submit a query to a related group. For example, the authorized user ID field 510 may include a random code and / or numeric and / or text string identifying the name of the information searcher, for example the information searcher.

The Authorized User Username field 515 may include a text string or numeric code that is used to control access to information searchers to submit information retrieval queries to relevant groups of the system. The contents of the authorized user username field 515 may be utilized for login purposes in association with the authorized user ID field containing information for identifying the user in particular.

As will be seen in more detail below, an information searcher attempting to submit an information retrieval query to a group of authorized users may be prompted to enter his or her username as part of the verification process.

The authorized user password field 520 may include information such as text strings and / or numeric codes that operate in conjunction with the contents of the authorized user username field 515 for verifying user access privileges. In at least one or more embodiments, the user name entered by the information searcher may be used to search or “find” the user password stored in the authorized user password field 520 to compare the password with the password entered by the user. Once a username and password match has been made, the user may submit an information retrieval query, as described in more detail below.

The Authorized Searcher ID field 525 includes a unique identifier that identifies a guide who may respond to a query submitted to a related group and / or have access to related group resources. For example, the Authorized Searcher ID field 525 may include a random code and / or number and / or text string identifying the name of the information searcher, such as the information searcher.

The Authorized Searcher User Name field 530 may include a text string or numeric code used to control access to the information searcher in order to respond to information retrieval queries submitted to relevant groups of the system. The contents of the authorized searcher user name field 530 may be used for login purposes in association with information of the authorized searcher ID field containing information for identifying the user. As shown in FIG. 5A, the list of authorized searchers and searchers for a limited related group (eg, "Orderborn Association-Rare and Endangered") may not be the same as the list of searchers of an unlimited related group. have. Similarly, the list of authorized users can be modified similarly. As such, related groups may control respondents to specific resource accesses and / or specific kinds of queries, while allowing other more comprehensive searchers who may be members of related groups to access other groups of resources.

As will be discussed in more detail below, searchers who want to answer a search query to a group of authorized searchers may be prompted to enter their username as part of the verification process.

The authorized searcher password field 535 may include information such as text strings and / or numeric codes that operate in conjunction with the contents of the authorized searcher username field 530 to verify searcher access privileges. In at least one or more embodiments, the username entered by the searcher may be used to search or “find” the searcher password stored in the Authorized Searcher Password field 535 to compare the password with the password entered by the searcher. If the username matches and the password matches, the searcher may be allowed to provide relevant population information search results and / or search resources, as described in more detail below.

As shown in FIG. 6, an information searcher's relevant group search selection and related group search approach 600 is provided.

In task 605, it is determined whether a search query has been received. If it is found that no search query has been received, the method 600 continues to wait. If it is found that a search query has been received, control passes to task 610 and the method 600 continues.

In task 610, according to the query, a notification is sent to the information searcher informing that the relevant group search is available. In at least one or more embodiments, for example, an electronic menu is provided. The electronic menu may include a link for submitting a graphical user interface for relevant group search. Control is passed to task 615 and method 600 continues.

In task 615 it is determined whether the user is searching for interest groups. It can be determined by the user making the appropriate markings. For example, you can activate interest group Web site links, activate graphical user interface (GUI) buttons, make voice inputs, and so on. If it is found in task 615 that interest group search has not been selected, control passes to task 605 and the method 600 continues. If it is found in task 615 that interest group search has been selected, control passes to task 620 and the method 600 continues.

In task 620, a determination is made as to whether the information searcher (IS) can be provided with a search result serving benefit group selection option. If a determination is made at task 620 that the information searcher cannot be offered a benefit group selection option, control passes to task 625 and the method 600 continues. If it is determined at task 620 that the information searcher cannot be provided with a benefit group selection option to provide search results, control is passed to task 630 and the method 600 continues.

The determination of task 620 may be based on the availability of multiple interest groups for a subject, the contract between a particular interested group and the system provider (eg, the highest bidder for a query), the current volume of queries on the subject, and so on. have. Decision criteria can be selected manually by the system administrator or according to preset conditions. Such measures may consider optimizing revenue for system providers.

Task 630 may send a notification to the information searcher that a selection of interest group selection options may be provided for providing search results in the search query. Control is passed to task 635 and method 600 continues.

Notification of task 630 may be a simple popup GUI as seen in FIG. 9 or a complex interactive GUI as seen in FIG. 12. The notification may be in a suitable medium such as instant message (IM), wireless, voice XML, e-mail.

In operation 635, it is determined whether the interest group selection is to be provided to provide the search results in the information searcher's query. If it is determined at task 635 that the information searcher cannot be provided with a benefit group selection option to provide search results, control passes to task 640 and the method 600 continues. If it is determined at task 635 that the information searcher cannot be provided with a benefit group selection option to provide search results, control passes to task 625 and the method 600 continues.

Task 640 provides a list of interest groups to the information searcher. The list of interest groups may be displayed in any order. In a preferred embodiment, the interest group list may be presented in order of relevance and / or eligibility in order to search according to how the search system 225 (FIG. 2) determines. The interest group list can be limited to a predetermined number to avoid information overload on the information explorer. The list can be presented with a GUI as shown in FIG. Control is passed to task 650 and method 600 continues.

In task 650 it is determined whether the information searcher has selected a benefit group. If it is found at task 650 that the information searcher has selected a benefit group to provide the search results, control is passed to task 655 and the method 600 continues. If it is found at task 650 that the information searcher has not selected a benefit group to provide the search results, control is passed to task 625 and the method 600 continues. Actively identify that Infoseeker ™ has not selected interest groups (eg, the user has clicked on the “auto select” button 1340 (FIG. 13)) or passively identify (eg, the user). Stops).

Task 655 determines whether a user login, password, and / or other authorized procedure is required to query the selected interests. If it is found in task 655 that no user authorization procedure is needed, control is passed to task 680 and method 600 continues. If at step 655 it is determined that a user authorization procedure is required to query the interest groups for information retrieval, the information seeker is notified and control is passed to task 660 and the method 660 continues.

In task 660 it is determined whether the information searcher has received a set of valid login credentials. If it is found at task 660 that a valid login certificate has been entered, control is passed to task 670 and the method 600 continues. If it is found at task 660 that the information searcher has not entered a valid login credential, the information searcher can be notified, the associated database 250 and / or 255 is updated, control is passed to task 605, and The method 600 continues. The identification of an invalid public certificate made at operation 660 can be based on a number of conditions. For example, if the system hangs waiting for user action, the database will reflect this and simply return to waiting for other queries to be accepted. In another case, the system may detect that the number of certificate verification attempts has exceeded the threshold number allowed by the system. The system may prevent the user name from accessing the relevant group until the system administrator takes action based on an update of the authentication database 245.

In task 625, a search system 225 (FIG. 2) is selected for interest groups. The selection of interest groups may depend on the selection method determined by the system. Relevant population database 255 (FIG. 2) and / or search database 250 contained information may be used. For example, the interest groups may be ranked based on information related to keywords, categories, profiles, and the like, and the interest groups may be selected based on the ranking, rank, and availability of searchers and / or related groups. In at least one or more embodiments, information searcher selection may be used to utilize the same criteria used for the arrangement of lists provided to the information searcher in task 640 and to modify system criteria for selecting interest groups. Control is passed to task 655 and method 600 continues.

In operation 670, it is determined whether the information searcher can be presented with the option to select a searcher to provide a search answer to the query. If a determination is made at task 670 that the information searcher cannot be offered a benefit group selection option, control passes to task 675 and the method 600 continues. If a determination is made at task 670 that the information searcher cannot be offered a benefit group selection option, control passes to task 680 and the method 600 continues.

The decision made at operation 670 may be based on a number of criteria. For example, if the selected interest group criteria could present the searcher's personally identifiable information, searcher selection may not be allowed. Or if the user and / or the searcher has reason to suspect that he or she "gambling" the search system for reward or other reasons, the searcher selection option may not be available.

Task 675 provides the list of qualified searchers to the information searcher. The list may be presented in a GUI as shown in FIG. The list of qualified or available searchers to provide to the information searcher may be presented in the order determined by the search system 225 (FIG. 2). The list may be presented in the order determined by the search database 250 and / or the relevant population database 255 and / or the search system 225 in a ranking method based on other data accessible. In a preferred embodiment, the list is limited to a predetermined number of searchers and the order of offerings ranges from the highest ranked qualified searchers to the lowest ranked qualified searchers, depending on how the search system 225 determines. Control is then passed to task 685 and method 600 continues.

In task 685 it is found that the information searcher has selected a searcher to answer the query. If it is found at task 685 that the information searcher has not selected a searcher, control passes to task 680 and the method 600 continues. Actively identify that Infoseeker ™ has not selected a searcher (e.g., the user has clicked the "auto select" button 1440 (FIG. 14)) or passively identify (e.g., the user Stop). If it is found at task 685 that the information searcher has selected a searcher to provide search results in the query, control is passed to task 690 and the method 600 continues.

At task 680, search system 225 (FIG. 2) selects a searcher to provide search results to the query. Qualified or available searchers may be selected according to criteria determined by search system 225 (FIG. 2). In a preferred embodiment, the criteria for selecting a searcher by the system is a criterion used to rank the list of searchers provided to the information searcher to select the searcher in task 675, wherein the selection criteria is based on the selection made by the information searcher. Can be modified. The search database 250 and associated population database 255 are updated, control passes to task 690, and task 600 continues.

In task 690 it is determined whether the user must have a set of valid certificates to query the selected searcher for information. If it is found in task 690 that a set of valid credentials is not needed, control is passed to task 697 and method 600 continues. If it is found at task 690 that a set of valid credentials is required to query the selected searcher, the information searcher may be notified, and control passes to task 695 and method 600 continues.

In task 695, a verification is made similar to that performed in task 660. If it is found in task 695 that a set of valid credentials has been entered, control is passed to task 697 and the method 600 continues. If it is determined in task 695 that a set of valid login credentials has been provided, the associated database 250 and / or 255 is updated, and control passes to task 605 and the method 600 continues. The identification of an invalid public certificate that is made in operation 695 may be based on a number of conditions. For example, if the system hangs waiting for user action, the database will reflect this and just return to waiting for other queries to be accepted. In another case, the system can detect that the number of certificate verification attempts has exceeded the threshold number allowed by the system. The system may prevent the user name from accessing the relevant group until the system administrator takes action based on an update of the authentication database 245.

In task 697, a query is made to the searcher, and control is passed to task 698 and method 600 continues.

In task 698, it is determined whether a search result is provided. If no search results are provided, the method 600 waits to provide a search result. If the search results are not provided within a predetermined time, the method 600 stops and control passes to a task 605 and the method 600 continues. Once provision of the search results is confirmed at task 698, the rating process may be performed in any manner, such as voting, searcher review, user rating, and the like. The search and associated databases 250, 255 (FIG. 2) are updated, control is passed to task 699, and method 600 continues.

In operation 695, it is determined whether the user is logged in. If it is confirmed that the user has not logged in, control passes to task 601 and the method 600 continues. If the user login fact is found at task 695, control passes to task 602 and the method 600 continues. In operation 601 the search results may be posted to the bulletin board. Or other results are written to the search database 250 (FIG. 2), which will be provided to Infoseeker ™ at the next login, the databases 250, 255 are updated, control is passed to the task 605, and the method 600 Continues. At task 602 the search results may be provided to the user, databases 250, 255 (FIG. 2) are updated, control is passed to task 605, and method 600 continues.

Although method 600 has been described in the context of an information searcher selecting searchers and / or interest groups in real time with respect to a query, the searcher and / or interest group selection provides search results stored by search system 225. It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that it can be used to do so. In other words, search results provided by relevant group members can be provided for queries without using searchers.

In at least one embodiment of the disclosed systems and methods, a user who wants to query a related group may be required to download a software application other than a web browser or thin client. In particular, U.S. Application No. 11 / 647,286, filed December 29, 2006, entitled "AUTOMATED TOOL FOR HUMAN ASSISTED MINING AND CAPTURING OF PRECISE RESULTS" Applications such as the ChaCha® Guide Application, published herein and incorporated herein by reference, may be utilized to access security systems.

In FIG. 7, a method 700 for logging in of a searcher who is a related group member is provided.

The method 700 begins with operation 705. In operation 705, a determination is made as to whether or not a searcher login request from the relevant group member has been received. If acknowledgment of the searcher login request is confirmed at task 705, method 700 continues to wait for the login request. If it is found at task 705 that a valid login credential has been entered, control is passed to task 710 and the method 700 continues.

Task 710 determines whether the searcher has registered with search system 225 (FIG. 2) as a relevant group member. If it is determined at task 710 that the searcher has registered as a relevant group member, the searcher is notified and control is passed to the task 715 and the method 700 continues. If it is found at task 710 that the searcher has registered as a relevant group member, control is passed to task 720 and method 700 continues.

In task 715 it is determined in task 715 whether the searcher is eligible to register as a relevant group member. If the searcher is found eligible, control passes to task 705 and method 700 continues. If it is found at task 715 that the searcher is eligible to register as a relevant group member, control is passed to task 717 and method 700 continues.

At task 717, the searcher is registered as a relevant group member, as further seen herein, databases 250 and 255 are updated, control is passed to task 705, and method 700 continues.

In operation 720, it is determined whether the searcher must submit a valid certificate in order to access the resource and / or provide search results for a query to the relevant population. If it is found at task 720 that the searcher must submit a valid certificate to access the resource and / or provide the search results, control is passed to task 725 and the method 700 continues. If it is found at task 720 that the searcher does not need to submit a valid certificate to access the resource and / or provide the search results, control is passed to task 735 and the method 700 continues.

Task 725 determines whether the searcher must submit a valid certificate to access the resource and / or provide search results for queries to related parties. The authentication request may be a searcher login GUI as shown in FIG. 15. Further description can be found herein. Control is passed to task 730 and method 700 continues.

Task 730 determines whether the searcher must submit a valid certificate in order to access the resource and / or provide search results for queries to related parties. If it is determined at task 730 whether the searcher has submitted a valid certificate, the database is updated and control is passed to task 735. If it is determined at task 730 that the searcher has not submitted a valid certificate, the databases 255 and 250 are updated and control is passed to task 705 and the process 700 continues. Identification of an invalid public certificate that is made in operation 730 may be based on a number of conditions. For example, if system 225 hangs waiting for a searcher's action, the database will simply return to reflecting this and waiting for other queries to be accepted. In another case, the system can detect that the number of certificate verification attempts has exceeded the threshold number allowed by the system. The system 225 may prevent the user name from accessing the relevant population until the system administrator takes action based on an update of the databases 250 and 255.

In task 735, it is determined whether the searcher has a search query that is eligible for the search results. If it is found at task 735 that the searcher is eligible for a search result, control is passed to task 740 and the method 700 continues. If it is found at task 735 that the searcher is eligible for a search result, control is passed to task 750 and method 700 continues.

The determination of task 735 may be based on information related to the searcher and / or search query. For example, it may be determined that a searcher is entitled to provide a search result for a query to a registered interest group member, that is, a query to a searcher or the like. Similarly, the searcher may be found to be ineligible to provide search results for queries that have entered the interest groups that the searcher has registered because of information related to the query. For example, a query may be at a high rank / rank, a specialized set of skills may be associated with the query, an immediate answer may be needed, and the searcher may not use it for any reason.

In task 740, the searcher searches for information and provides search results for queries for which the searcher is eligible. Search resources available to the searcher may be restricted from access based on searcher related information in search database 250 (FIG. 2). Upon providing the search results, the search database 250 and / or related database 255 may be updated and the search results may be delivered to the information searcher. Control is passed to task 745 and method 700 continues.

In task 745, the ranking and / or ranking of the searcher and / or related population may need to be updated according to the ranking and / or ranking of the search results provided by the searcher. If a rating or ranking of the search results has been received, the search database 250 and / or related database 255 are updated, and control is passed to task 750 and the method 700 continues. The ranking and / or ranking of the search results may be calculated by the method of this application and related US Provisional Application No. 60 / 913,944, previously mentioned. In at least one or more embodiments, the information searcher may be asked to provide a ranking of the search results upon receipt of the search results.

In operation 750, it is determined whether the searcher is still logged in to the search system. If the searcher is found to be still logged in to the search system, control passes to task 735 and method 700 continues. If it is found that the searcher is still logged in to the search system, databases 250 and 255 (FIG. 2) are updated, control is passed to task 705, and method 700 continues.

Search results and / or search queries may be transmitted via any communication method, including wireless transmission, wired transmission, e-mail, via network 220 (FIG. 2) or in any suitable computer system.

In FIG. 8, an example of a searcher or guide registration web page 800 designed and configured to allow a guide candidate to input registration information as a guide of the search system 225 (FIG. 2) may be seen. As shown in FIG. 8, for example, the search registration page 800 may be divided into an account information section 805, a personal information section 810, and a terms of service column 815. The account information section 805 and the personal information section 810 may each include a plurality of text boxes and / or drop-down lists for data entry associated with the guide. The user ID text box 820 provides for inputting user ID information about a searcher who can utilize the user ID as a guide screen name in the search system. The user ID can automatically port the standard user ID format by utilizing the data entry of the personal information section 810. For example, in the city case, for example, the user ID is the text string entered in the first name text box 840 of the privacy section 810, the last name text box 844, if it is necessary to distinguish the user ID from the existing user ID. You can automatically create a text string entered in, and select the first character of the attached string.

The registration web page may also include a password text box 825 and a password confirmation text box 830, which identify the input password that the guide candidates will enter into the password and log in to the search system 225. . The Account Information section 805 of the registration page may also include an e-mail text box 835 for entering the e-mail address of the guide's wishes, as shown in FIG. 8.

The personal information section 810 may include a first name text box 840, a middle name text box 842, and a last name text box 844 for entering searcher aspirant names. As shown in FIG. 8, the personal information section 810 may include a telephone number text box 846 for entering the telephone number of the guide's inquirer. Preferably, the phone number text box requires entry of ten digits, including the area code. The area code entered in phone number text box 846 can be used to set the geographic location of the courier. This location can be used in the process of selecting a guide who is eligible to answer questions submitted by the Information Seeker. Multiple address text box lines 840, 850, city text box 852, main text box 854, and postal code text box 856 may provide searcher candidates to enter address information. . Address information can also be used to establish a geographic location relative to the guide, which can be used by the information searcher to select a guide who is eligible to answer a query.

The registration web page may also include a birthday text box 858 and a text box or preferably drop down list 860. This list allows searchers to raise or select their gender. Together with geographic location data, birth date and gender data can be used by the guide to determine whether the information explorer is eligible to provide search results for a query. For example, a twenty-five-year-old woman explorer in Palo Alto, California, asked, "What area hotel has the best dance club?" If the same query is made, the software running on the search system 225 (FIG. 2) allows female searchers between the ages of twenty-one and thirty to register with travel-related keywords familiar to hotels in Silicon Valley to provide search results. You can choose to listen. Alternatively, the software may urge the information searcher to request answers from searchers who are members of a travel-related group (eg, airline crew members).

The registration page 800 may include one or more related selection drop down list boxes 864 containing a list of available related groups from which guide candidates may indicate relevant groups to which they may be related. In one embodiment, the relevant group may decide to install a search box on the relevant group web page so that queries coming into the web page may be linked to the relevant group member if possible. In the present embodiment, a registration web page to which searchers' aspirants are linked by a link of the invitation e-mail may pre-supply sponsor-related group names in the affiliate box 864. In one embodiment, the searcher aspirant should not indicate an affiliation with one or more groups when linked with a registration page by an email invitation generated with a relevant group request. In other embodiments, a searcher aspirant invited to register with the search system may select one or more related groups to which he or she may be a member. When displaying the membership of a related group, the search system may create a pop-up window (eg, the GUI of FIG. 15) requesting information confirming that the searcher candidate is a member of the selected related group. Such information may include user IDs and / or user passwords for the parties involved. Any type of member authentication information may be required within the scope of this application.

The registration page 800 includes areas of interest check box 862 that include a plurality of interest area lists that searchers may indicate areas of interest, familiarity, expertise, and the like. The region of interest check box 862 may be extracted from the registration page 800 and stored as data, such as interest group searcher records and data from databases 250 and 255. The registration page 800 may also include an internet connection speed text box 863. Preferably, the Internet Connection Speed text box is a drop-down list of Internet connection speeds that allow searchers to display their system connection speed. The data may be stored in database 250 and / or database 255.

US Application No. 11 / 777,505, filed July 13, 2007, incorporated herein by reference, entitled "Method and System for Qualifying Ying Words in Queries STRINGS" As you can see in more detail in "), the searcher's inquirer registers with the search system and searches according to categories or keywords related to the query the information searcher has made. In at least one embodiment of the registration page 800, three drop-down lists 866, 868, and 870, shown in FIG. 8A, are displayed to allow searchers to select categories or keywords to search for. It is within the scope of this disclosure for categories or keyword registration boxes to be presented on the searcher registration page 800. When registering in response to an email from a related group sponsor, the available categories and keywords in the drop-down list (866, 868, 870) may reflect relevant specific keywords and categories that reflect the taxonomy selected by the related group.

The conditions of service section 815 (FIG. 8) may include a scrollable text box 872 that includes text specifying conditions, condition rules, and / or rules applicable to a search registered with the search system. Check boxes 874 can be provided that agree to the conditions, rules, and regulations of text box 872. The boxes allow searcher candidates to indicate compliance with the condition of text box 872. When providing the data necessary to register the search service, the searcher aspirant may click the Continue button 895 or otherwise indicate completion of the web form for registration. The search service may extract information from the registration web page 800 and store data in the search data service and / or related data services 250 and 255 (FIG. 2).

Although the registration web page 800 requires the data, it is within the information scope herein to be required to register as a searcher of a search system. It is within the scope of the present application for the information necessary to register as a searcher, which is obtained through a database dump of the relevant community database, etc., and obtained by other means of accessing cookies and information stored in the computer system of the user's desire. Information such as ethnicity, religious affiliation, attending tertiary institutions, degrees received, and areas of study may be required to identify the demographic profile of the searcher.

Information obtained from aspiring searchers during the registration process can be used to include in the relevant group searcher database 240 (FIG. 2).

In one embodiment, the related group may decide to leave a search window 910 (FIG. 9) driven by the search system of the related group home page 900. The particular example of FIG. 9 includes a relevant group web page of an airline, which includes a search window 910 showing that a query about a travel destination can be submitted directly to a text box 920 in a search engine window. In this case, the relevant group staff will answer the query. The search engine window also includes an enable button 930 that allows the search system to generate a search page 1000, such as seen in FIG. 10, to be displayed on the information searcher computer system 230 (FIG. 2) when the information searcher selects. Included.

Referring to FIG. 10, a search page 1000 generated when selecting the enable button 930 (FIG. 9) in the search engine window 910 of a related group web page (eg, related group web page 900). Contains a plurality of panes and icons. The search page 1000 includes a query box 1005, a search button 1010, a search button 1015 with a guide, an associated branding icon 1020, a search results window 1025, an advertisement window 1030, The chat window 1035 and a search system branding icon 1040 are included. The search page access is made when the enable button 930 is clicked in the search window 910 of the relevant collective web page 900, and the query box 1005 is entered into the query box 920 of the relevant collective web page 900. The entered query is included. By clicking the search button 1010, an information searcher can search without using a registered searcher. In one embodiment, the search results presented in the search results window 1025 when searching without a guide are in the past by searchers answering queries that include the same and / or similar keywords as included in the current query of the information searcher. It is the result of utilizing the resources used. In one embodiment, when the user clicks the search button 1010, the results of the search results window 1025 are the results presented by registered searchers in response to a previous query for the current search related keyword. The results are retrieved from search database 250 (FIG. 2). This database is a subcomponent of the associated population database 255. When the information explorer clicks the search button 1010, the chat window 1035 may be hidden because it does not need to chat with the searcher. However, in one embodiment, the chat window may be utilized next to a search button 1010 that is clicked to unambiguous query related keywords or categories.

When clicking the search button 1015 with the guide, the information searcher is provided with a window containing information about the available guides (see FIG. 14) to select specific guides and / or guide profiles to answer the above query. do. Instead, the search system 225 (FIG. 2) may automatically assign searchers who are obliged to answer the query, as further described herein. Once a guide is selected or assigned to answer the query, the guide and the information explorer can interact in real time using the chat window 1035. This real-time communication can be used to clarify the ambiguities of the query or to provide a positive impression of the guide and / or the relevant group connecting the guide and the information explorer. The guide may also select an advertisement to display in the advertisement window, or the search system 225 may automatically select the advertisement according to the query analysis. The benefits of selecting a target advertisement and providing a target advertisement are more fully described in the previously mentioned US Application No. 11 / 777,505.

Once on the search page 1000, the information searcher may decide to do a further search by entering a new query in the query box 1005 along the links in the result pane, or follow the advertisement links in the ad window. In one embodiment, search system icon 1040 provides a URL link to a search system provider search page when clicked. This search page is similar to the search page shown in FIG. 10 when there is no associated group icon 1020.

The related group web page 900 (FIG. 9) and the related group search page 1000 (FIG. 10) are related group search examples. Here, information searchers are not bound, that is, any information searcher who visits the relevant group web page 900 can utilize relevant group related registered searchers to help find the results for the query. In the above example, in one embodiment, the searchers available for assisting the information searcher in finding results for a query are limited to registered searchers associated with the relevant population. In an alternative embodiment, among the above cases, relevant group related searchers may be given the task of answering the information explorer query when they are preferentially treated and available and qualified for a query answer. However, other qualified searchers may be tasked with answering questions when relevant group searchers are unavailable or ineligible for query answers.

In some non-presenting embodiments, the information searcher may be from a limited group and a registered searcher that may be used to assist the information searcher may be from a limited group. One example of such an embodiment is when a relevant group dealing with highly confidential or categorized information decides to provide a search window for a relevant group web page driven by a search provider. This web page is accessible only to authorized personnel of the relevant group, and only registered searchers associated with the relevant group can act as guides when the information searcher assists the information searcher in obtaining a response to his or her query.

Using the example "Orderbone Association" (related group A 105 (FIG. 1) above), the list of authorized guides in the sample accredited record (see FIG. 5) is the searcher A1 110 (eg, " Bill Birdsong ") may be able to prohibit access to the" Rare and Crisis "species database. Access can be controlled by creating separate interest group records (see FIGS. 3 and 3A) with different interest group IDs 305 or by associating keywords and resources to show that "Bill Birdsong" is not an authorized searcher. There will be.

One of ordinary skill in the relevant art, based on the present application, can easily imagine a situation in which the information searcher is limited to information searchers authorized by the relevant group, but the registration searcher pool is not. For example, the relevant group may require users to set up a login and / or user profile to use the group service so that better service can be provided. In this case, the relevant group will be able to provide language-based services and charge users based on time spent. However, because of the dynamic demand for guides, the interested parties may be able to allow guides that register with the search system 225 and subscribe to the related groups to provide services to the information searcher. Using the airline case above, an existing user profile with credit information could be stored in the airline's database. Such information will not be accessible to searchers, but the flight booking network will be available to anyone who has registered with the "Delta® Air Lines" community. Priority is given to employees in peak season, but other members are utilized.

In FIG. 11 the method 1100 is provided for recruiting and registering relevant group members.

When a related group decides to be recognized as a related group by a search system provider, a server application is launched for the related group of task 1105. This application allows related groups to establish business rules and conduct setting activities. Control is passed to task 1110 and method 1100 continues.

At task 1110, the relevant group system administrator may provide information about related members to related group databases 255 (FIG. 2). This may include emails, IM certificates, mobile device contact parameters (eg, phone numbers, etc.), personal website URLs, or other contact information for group members. Moreover, related groups may provide authentication information, public information, search results, query information, resource access information, training material, keyword / category data, rating data, etc., which may be search and / or related databases 250, 255. ) Can be stored. Control is passed to task 1115 and method 1100 continues.

Task 1115 sends an e-mail (or other appropriate notification) to the relevant group members to notify them to register. Such notification may include, for example, a link to a registration web page, such as registration page 800 (FIG. 8), and cookies and / or to be considered as a sponsor of searchers who register with the search system using the link in the notification. Or other indicators may be included. If notified, add to the related US Application No. 11 / 647,309, entitled "INSTANT MESSAGE NOTIFICATION OF SERVICE PROVIDERS" of Jones et al., Filed December 29, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference. Other formats, such as IM, may be taken. By being named a sponsor, relevant groups may be eligible for compensation based on the activities of sponsored searchers. This aspect of the present disclosure provides an incentive that is particularly useful in generating revenue for a related group and that the related group can be determined to be so registered by a search system provider. Control is passed to task 1120 and method 1100 continues.

In task 1120, it is determined whether the relevant group member decides to register as a searcher in search system 225 (FIG. 2), for example, by clicking an invitation notification link that associates the relevant group member with a registration page. If it is found that the relevant group does not decide to register, the method 1100 continues to wait. If it is determined that the parties involved decide to register as guides, control is passed to task 1125 and the method 1100 continues.

At task 1125, relevant group members may access the search system registration page. Subscribers who wish to register as searchers are prompted to enter a user ID, username, and / or password. These may, for example, be associated with a searcher username field 415 and / or a searcher verification code field 420 in the interest group searcher record (see FIG. 4), or alternatively a profit group ID assigned to the relevant group. It may be based on information in the Authorized Searcher ID, Authorized Searcher User Name, and / or Authorized Searcher Password fields 525, 530, 535 of the record (see FIG. 5).

In task 1135, it is determined whether the authentication information provided by the subscriber is valid, for example, based on the authentication information provided by, for example, the associated group manager as in operation 1110. If at operation 1135 it is found that valid authentication information has been provided, control is passed to task 1145 and the method 1100 continues. If it is found at task 1135 that the information is invalid, control is passed to task 1120 and the method 1100 continues.

Identification of an invalid public certificate that is made in operation 1135 may be based on a number of conditions. For example, if the system 225 is stopped waiting for the subscriber's action, the database will simply return to reflecting this and waiting for other registration requests to be accepted. In another case, the system can detect that the number of certificate verification attempts has exceeded the threshold number allowed by the system. The system 225 may prevent the user name from accessing the relevant group until the system and / or the associated group administrator take action based on an update of the databases 250 and 255.

At task 1145, relevant group members may provide information to create and / or enhance a profile associated with the searcher. Control is passed to task 1147 and method 1100 continues.

In operation 1147, it is determined whether the searcher has shown registration completion. If it is found that the searcher has shown that the registration procedure has been completed, the search database 250 and associated database 250 are updated, control is passed to task 1150, and method 1100 continues. If it is found at task 1145 that the searcher has not completed registration, the databases 250 and 255 are updated, control is passed to task 1125, and the method 1100 continues. Incomplete registration determinations may be made at operation 11147 in accordance with conditions defined by the system provider, such as terminating the session of the registrant, exceeding a preset time limit, and the like.

At task 1150, search system 225 updates databases 250 and 255 with the provided information and creates a user profile for the subscriber member that is now considered a registered searcher. The search system may generate other notifications, including a welcome email and / or a link to download an application form, to new registered searchers joining the relevant group. Control is passed to task 1155 and method 1100 continues.

In task 1155, the relevant group enrollment new enrollment searcher may download an application, such as a ChaCha® Guide Application, and link to a profile page. Relevant group subscription guides can then use the new registered searcher to provide search results to the information searcher in response to the requested query. Control is then passed to task 1105, where the relevant group manager can provide additional information needed for registration of the relevant group member.

An exemplary GUI that the user and / or guide uses when selecting a relevant group can be seen in FIG. 12. The GUI 1200 includes an advertisement window 1205, a benefit group selection menu 1210, an action button 1215, a benefit group rating and / or membership indicator window 1220, a graphic window 1225, and a query box 1230. , And system identifier 1235.

The advertisement window 1205 may be used to advertise any form of advertising that is determined to be suitable based on information related to the query, if possible. To facilitate subscriber service, the ad window 1205 may include advertisements related to one or more of the available related groups. The advertisement may be based on profile data selected in the interest group selection menu 1210, query box 1230 related information, or other information available to the search system 225.

The benefit group selection menu 1210 may include relevant search groups and other control lists that users and / or guides may use to select relevant groups. For example, the selection box may be a drop down menu that allows the guide and / or user to select a profile, category and / or keyword list, etc., and select relevant interest groups for research and / or use.

Action button 1215 may be used to accept or cancel the option for the information searcher to select the relevant search group. Similarly, action buttons can be used to indicate or cancel a request for a guide to become a member of a designated interest group.

The interest group rating and / or membership indicator window 1220 may contain information about the selected relevant group. For example, one could indicate the number of groups available for a specified query and / or profile. Instead, a drop down menu may list interest groups, respective ratings, exemplary results, and so forth.

Graphics window 1125 may be used to present graphical information about relationships between related groups. Compare selected interest groups based on criteria such as handling queries, outcome ratings, number of members, selected interest groups, and relationships among other group members (eg, joint members).

The query box 1230 may contain an original query by an information searcher or a query that a guide enters to find relevant interest groups to join. Furthermore, the query box allows the guide and / or the information searcher to refine the query which can be further seen in the previously mentioned related US application number 11 / 777,505.

The system identifier 1235 appears to optionally identify the system provider and / or user and / or coordinator and / or related parties as shown.

An exemplary GUI 1300 in which a user selects interest groups based on a query can be seen in FIG. 13.

The GUI 1300 may include a query box 1310, a benefit group list box 1320, an action button 1330, an automatic selection button 1340, an advertisement window 1350, and a system message window 1360.

The query box 1310 may store a query input by an information searcher. The query box allows the user to modify the original query previously described with respect to FIG. 12.

The benefit group list box 1320 may contain a target benefit group identifier. Furthermore, the interest group list box may consist of a drop down list of shift related groups available for querying. Moreover, the interest group list box can display or open the available interest group details in a window list.

The action button 1330 allows the user to take an action based on the information of the GUI 1330. For example, an "accept" button may allow the selection of a target interest group to respond to a query. The "Change" button will allow the user to access a detailed selection GUI as seen in connection with FIG. The "Cancel" button allows Infoseeker ™ to recover the raw data of the GUI 1300 and discard the modifications. Although certain functions have been described, things like shift action buttons will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The auto-select button 1340 allows the user to reject the benefit group selection and the system 225 (FIG. 2) can make a selection even if the user is out of options.

The advertisement window 1350 may present various kinds of materials to the user as described previously. Multiple advertisement windows may be included in the GUI 1300.

The system message window 1360 allows the system to send a message to the user regarding a subject such as a user ID, system ID.

An exemplary searcher selection GUI 1400 is presented in FIG. 14.

The searcher selection GUI 1400 operates similarly to the profit group selection GUI 1300. The GUI 1400 can be used to select specific searchers. In a preferred embodiment, the searcher and user are anonymous search system (ANONYMOUS) using the name "Searcher" of US Pat. No. 11 / 779,502, Jones et al., Filed on July 18, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. SEARCH SYSTEM USING HUMAN SEARCHERS. "

The GUI 1400 may include a query box 1410, a searcher list box 1420, an action button 1430, an automatic selection button 1440, an advertisement window 1450, and a system message window 1460.

The query box 1410 may contain a query input by the information searcher. The query box allows the user to modify the original query previously described with respect to FIG. 12.

The searcher list box 1420 may contain a target searcher identifier. Furthermore, the searcher list box may consist of alternate searcher drop down lists that are available for querying or are eligible for a query. Furthermore, the searcher roster box can display or open the available interest group details in a window list.

The action button 1430 allows the user to take an action based on the information of the GUI 1330. For example, an "accept" button may allow the selection of a target searcher to respond to a query. The "Change" button will allow the user to access a detailed selection GUI as seen in connection with FIG. The "Cancel" button allows Infoseeker ™ to recover the raw data of the GUI 1400 and discard the modifications. While these functions have been described, things like shift buttons will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The auto-select button 1440 allows the user to refuse to select a searcher and the system 225 (FIG. 2) can make a selection even if the user has no options.

The advertisement window 1450 may present various kinds of material to the user as described previously. Multiple advertisement windows may be included in the GUI 1400.

The system message window 1460 allows the system to send a message to the user regarding a subject such as a user ID, system ID.

Any or all of the elements of the GUI 1200, 1300, 1400 may alternately suppress the display to reduce visual overload. Alternately, additional elements may be included in the GUI 1200, 1300, 1400 to account for sufficient user options.

An exemplary guide or user login GUI can be seen in FIG. 15.

The GUI 1500 may present to the guide or the user when authentication information is needed. The GUI may include a user name input box 1510, a password input box 1520, a login button 1540, and a cancel button 1550.

In the user name input box 1510, the user and / or the guide may input a user name for authentication. As is well known in the art, cipher box 1520 allows a user and / or coordinator to enter other information such as a password or security token ID, other one-time use items, enable biostatistic entries, and the like.

The login button 1540 may indicate that the user and / or guide has completed the authentication input procedure. The cancel button 1550 allows the user and / or courier to leave the GUI 1500 without logging in or verifying the certificate.

In embodiments herein, related population based search service systems and methods can be seen. In various embodiments, the system may allow the user and / or coordinator to be controlled for authentication. This may be useful for applications herein as well as for applications used by workers / searchers groups to provide information to information explorers / users. Embodiments herein are applicable to a variety of systems and tasks with such requirements.

After the present disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the relevant art will realize that embodiments may be implemented in software, firmware, and / or combinations thereof. Program code according to embodiments may be executed in C, C ++, HTML, XHTML, Java or an executable high level programming language, or a combination of a high level programming language and a low level programming language.

Embodiments may also exist in the form of a computer readable storage device encrypted with processing instructions for computer control to execute the methods herein in accordance with the embodiments.

The examples should not be limited to the examples herein. After the disclosure herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that changes may be made in the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope and scope of the embodiments.

Claims (32)

Designating a relevant group for providing information retrieval; And Presenting search results generated by members of the relevant group. The method of claim 1, And the designation comprises user selection of a desired related group. The method of claim 1, And the designation comprises a system selection of the desired benefit group. The method of claim 3, wherein The system selection is: Prompting the information searcher for a query; Analyzing the query with keywords / categories of related populations; And And selecting a relevant group based on the analyzing step. The method of claim 1, After the specifying, further comprising comparing the identification information input by the information searcher to obtain a search result from the related population with the stored identification information of the information searcher to determine whether to allow access to the group. Profit group search providing method characterized in that. The method of claim 1, And after the designating, detecting the presence of a given software application in a calculation device operated by an information searcher wanting to obtain a search result from the relevant population. The method of claim 1, And after said accepting, allowing selection of a particular searcher of said related group. The method of claim 1, And comparing the identification information entered by the searcher with the stored identification information before executing a search for the query to determine whether the searcher may search. The method of claim 1, And after the presenting, further prompting and ranking the member. The method of claim 1, And after said presenting, executing a rating calculation for said member. The method of claim 1, And after said presenting, executing a rating calculation for said related population. The method of claim 1, And prior to the designating, recognizing the relevant group by a search system provider. The method of claim 12, And recognizing comprises registering relevant members of the related group. The method of claim 13, And registering comprises comparing the attestation information entered by the related member with stored attestation information to determine whether the related member may register with the group. The method of claim 13, The registering step includes receiving additional personal information input by the related member. The method of claim 13, The registering step includes generating a user profile. The method of claim 13, And sending a notification including an application link to the relevant member. The method of claim 13, And allowing the relevant member to download the application and undertake a profile. Accepting the designation of a relevant party to provide information retrieval; And instructing the computer to provide a benefit group search by presenting a search result generated by a member of the related group. An information retrieval system for providing a interest group search performed by a searcher, At least one searcher computer system for performing a search in response to a query executed by an information searcher; Be notified that you want to search for interest groups, present a list of interest groups with expertise and ratings, select the desired interest groups, prompt user names and passwords from the information explorer, and store the username and password At least one search system for comparing to a username and password and accepting a query from an information explorer; At least one information explorer interface through which a selection of interest groups occurs; A profit group database, including a profit group identifier (id) field, a profit group rating field, a search specialization field, an assignment searcher field, and a keyword and category field to which the group is assigned; A profit group searcher database including a searcher id field, a profit group id field, a searcher username field, a searcher verification code field, a searcher ranking field, and other related interest group fields; And An information retrieval system comprising a public information searcher database including a benefit group id field, a public user id field, a public user username field, and a public user password field. The method of claim 7, wherein And the selection can be made without revealing the searcher's personally identifiable information. The method of claim 12, And recognizing comprises receiving information of the related group. The method of claim 23, And the information includes one or more authorized information, resource access information, demographic information, geographic information, and training information. A collective identification field; Searcher identification field; And And a benefit group record comprised of related keyword fields. Searcher identification field; Interest group identification field; Searcher demographic fields; And And a benefit group searcher record organized by searcher specialty fields. Interest group identification field; Authorized user field; And A computer-controlled computer readable storage device comprising a benefit group authorized record comprised of authorized searcher fields. A field indicating a query; A field indicating a list of interest groups related to the query; And And control to select / reject interest groups. A field indicating a query; A field for displaying a list of searchers related to the query; And Interface including controls for selecting / rejecting searchers. Control to identify related parties; A field indicating a list of queries answered by the identified population; And And control to select and / or deny related parties. The method of claim 27, And the list is displayed in order based on one of rating, advertising contract and availability. The method of claim 28, Wherein the list is displayed in order based on one of rating, advertisement, and availability. The method of claim 29, And the identifying control includes a list of characteristics based on one of an associated profile and a user profile.

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